Developing Support

Haiti Medical Project operates with a non-traditional, grass roots financial plan—relying primarily on designated gifts of congregations, individuals and organizations to a fund for immediate project support, to a growing endowment fund or to other more specific designations (such as pure water projects or maternal care programs.)

In 2011 when the Project was launched the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board was in process of a needed program reduction resulting from declining funding. Global Mission and Service Executive, Jay Wittmeyer, was centrally involved in the planning of the project but unable to provide budget support. Instead he turned to volunteers who took on the challenge of finding direct “over and above” funding for the new ministry. A five-year plan of support from the Global Food Initiative for agricultural projects was concluded in 2017. In 2018 a new agricultural, soil conservation and reforestation program is undertaken with support of the Growing Hope Worldwide.

The support of the Brethren and other committed organizations has been amazing! As a result there have been important gifts from Brethren World Mission and the Brethren Mission Fund—two consortia of Brethren leaders interested in supporting world mission. Many congregations have adopted the project for mission offerings, Christmas offerings, as a Vacation Bible School project, or have added it to their budget. Individuals have responded with generous support. Beginning in 2014 the Royer Family Foundation has undergirded Haiti Medical Project generously.

From very small beginnings in 2012 support has grown steadily and by 2019 we expect to invest at least $390,000 in Haiti as shown below:

Endowment Fund

Parallel to this annual program support a significant pool of funds has been provided to build a supporting endowment. To date over $490,000 has been provided toward a $600,000 goal. The endowment is projected to provide program funds in the $30,000 range to support the 2019 budget. The idea is to provide a pool of "forever funds" that will undergird Haiti Medical Project for the indefinite future."